A big win for Hobby Lobby in 1st Amendment case against government

In November 2012, I informed readers about Christian-owned Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. and their lawsuit against the government.
Health and Human Services had mandated in January 2012 that all businesses would have to offer workers insurance coverage for birth control. This included the Plan B “morning after” pill, which many in the Christian community consider an abortion drug.
Hobby Lobby, which has more than 500 arts and crafts stores in 41 states, filed a lawsuit against the government over the HHS mandate in September.
Failure to comply meant they could end up paying crippling fines that could reach up to $1.3 million per day.
“By being required to make a choice between sacrificing our faith or paying millions of dollars in fines, we essentially must choose which poison pill to swallow,” said David Green, Hobby Lobby CEO in an interview with the Associated Press last year. “We simply cannot abandon our religious beliefs to comply with this mandate.”
Fortunately, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton made a preliminary injunction in the case on June 27 in Oklahoma City, Okla., where Hobby Lobby Stores and its Christian bookstore chain Mardel are based.
The federal appeals court judge temporarily exempted Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. from the federal requirement and put the case on hold until October 1, giving the federal government time to decide whether to appeal.
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty represented Hobby Lobby in the case.
The case is Hobby Lobby Stores Inc et al v. Sebelius et al, U.S. District Court, Western District of Oklahoma, No. 12-01000.
I’m thrilled with this decision for Hobby Lobby. It sets a possible tone in regards to how the new health care law will be implemented in regards to employers.
I’ve said all along that this mandate was a violation of the 1st Amendment.
With 63 more lawsuits challenging the mandate nationwide, it should be an interesting final few months of 2013 to see just where this law’s mandate ends up.
Update on Lydia
Currently, Lydia Jo Schott is now weighing 3 lbs., 8.1 oz. as of press time. It’s hard to believe but she’s now one month old.
She’s been battling some anemic issues but doctors feel the treatment is working so far.
She has an upcoming eye test that we’re seeking prayers for.
We’re just thankful to see how God is molding Lydia with His hands. We’re thankful for the progress she’s made so far but she still has some hurdles to get through before she comes home. Again, my family appreciates everyone’s prayers and concerns during this time. We’re extremely humbled. Thank You!

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